I am doing the Sport Relief mile next Saturday in Bristol (at the Millennium Square if you want to come and join in the fun). It's been a while since I have done any running (
probably not since this occasion, shamefully) so this morning before the TWTTIN team arrived for writing and rehearsal of tonight's show, I decided to run down to the gym (which is just over a mile away).
I found things pretty hard going I have to say. I only managed about quarter of a mile before I broke into a walk. Hopefully I was just tired. I don't want to embarrass myself in Bristol. Given I have run a Marathon it would be a bit rubbish if I can't even do one mile at the weekend. I imagine it will be fine.
Down one of the backstreets of my run I saw a slightly odd sight. An old car was approaching me. I'm not good on knowing makes and models of car, but it was a pale grey or green (not even good on colours) and from I'm guessing the 1960s - not a sportcar, one of those nice boxy family ones. It was obviously well cared for and loved, but more notably the bumpers and windscreen were decorated with garlands of (I would imagine) artifical flowers. It was an unusual and pretty sight and must have been done by someone with an artistic flair, who you would guess would love life and spend a lot of time singing and laughing.
But as the car approached I saw that it was being driven by a very stern-faced man, with a somewhat threatening demeanour, that immediately reminded me of the action man I used to have as a child. He didn't have the scar, I don't think, but his eyes looked like they might be eagle-eyes and his skin looked almost plasticy and he looked like a right mean mofo (as I believe the youngsters might say - it means mother forgetter, as is my understanding).
It just seemed a bit incongrouous, this angry, action man driving this flowery hippy vehicle. I suppose that's the problem with adapting your transport in this way. There are days when you are going to be in a bad mood (and maybe when he's less cross the man appears less severe), but your autmobile will still be all gay and bright and will lead to an odd juxtaposition. There's a chance the man had stolen the car, but unlikely that he would choose one in which he would looks so conspicuous.
It's nice to try and spread art and joy, but some days when you're not in the mood it must be a slight source of irritation and regret. Though to me it was more of an artistic expression of life to see this sullen man riding in this happy chariot. It says more about the human condition.
The TWTTIN recordings went really well. There will be more in September and you'll be able to book tickets
here (though they're not up yet I don't think).
Incidentally, tickets for Edinburgh are selling well, so do book ahead if you know which day you're coming. You can book tickets on-line by
clicking here (if tickets are sold out on-line, there will probably be others available by ringing the box office on 0870 745 3083). Now all I have to do is write the show!
